Attention, Pinays: There's a mobile app to help you deal with cyber abuse

(SPOT.ph) The Foundation for Media Alternatives has partnered up with 8 Layer Technologies to produce AksyonVAW, a mobile app targeted for Filipinas dealing with online abuse. The Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) is a non-government organization that promotes appropriate use of various platforms in information and communications technology.

The name of the app comes from “aksyon” or action, and “VAW” for “violence against women,” according to the FMA website. In line with their mission, FMA has launched the interactive app to empower women so they know what to do when they encounter cyber abuse.

The app presents scenarios of identity theft, cyber bullying, and online harassment via comic strips. Depending on the topic and the course of action the user picks, the app shows tips on how to deal with the situation. For instance, there’s "Chesca," who is experiencing online harassment. Chesca is shocked to find out that racy photos of her are circulating online. Should she report this to the website administrator and the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI-Cybercrime Division? Depending on the user’s answer, contact details of the authorities are shown or tips on how to protect oneself are presented. According to Christina Lopez of the FMA, the responses are based on Philippine law.

The developers are still making improvements on the app, but it is already available for download on Google Play.